Segregated container

ABSTRACT

A segregated container retains a plurality of individual containers in a loose disposition, creating a space around each individual container. The space creates freedom of movement for the individual container, allowing ice to occupy the space; thereby cooling the individual container. A plurality of retention cavities loosely retain the individual containers, such as bottles of carbonated beverages. The retention cavities are formed from a perpendicular arrangement between vertical and horizontal dividers inside the segregated container. The segregated container positions within an outer container that contains a cooling member, such as ice. A plurality of apertures enable the cooling member to pass from the outer container to the retention cavities. In this manner, the individual containers are retained in a loose disposition to prevent damage to the individual containers, and to create space for enabling the cooling member to fully engage the sides of the individual containers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

RELATED CO-PENDING U.S. PATENT APPLICATIONS

Not applicable

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX

Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection by the author thereof. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure for the purposes of referencing as patent prior art, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to segregated container that loosely retains and enables cooling of a plurality of individual containers. More particularly, the invention relates to a segregated container that loosely retains and enables cooling a plurality of individual containers while resting inside an outer container by enabling passage of ice from the outer container into the segregated container through apertures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

The following is an example of a specific aspect in the prior art that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. By way of educational background, another aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that a cooler is used to keep food or drink cool. Ice cubes are most commonly placed in it to help the things inside stay cool. Ice packs are sometimes used, as they either contain the melting water inside, or have a gel sealed inside that stays cold longer than plain ice.

It is known that various implementations for cooling or keeping cold beverage containers, e.g., cans or bottles, are known. Most commonly, people use refrigerators, freezers, ice or ice packs, or the like. Using ice or ice pack over an extended period of time, however, requires a separate insulated unit, such as a cooler, to hold the ice or ice pack to prevent the ice or ice pack from melting.

Typically, beverages such as soda or beer are packaged in groups of six, twelve or twenty-four containers. If no refrigeration source is available, the beverages have to be consumed at the environmental temperature in which they are stored. The most common means for chilling such beverages is to place them in portable coolers, or to place them within refrigeration units.

In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary segregated container retaining a plurality of individual containers, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of multiple segregated containers stacked through a mating engagement between an exemplary lip and an exemplary ridge, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a segregated container positioned inside an exemplary outer container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a sectioned side view of an exemplary segregated container with a plurality of retention cavities loosely retaining a plurality of individual containers, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

All words of approximation as used in the present disclosure and claims should be construed to mean “approximate,” rather than “perfect,” and may accordingly be employed as a meaningful modifier to any other word, specified parameter, quantity, quality, or concept. Words of approximation, include, yet are not limited to terms such as “substantial”, “nearly”, “almost”, “about”, “generally”, “largely”, “essentially”, “closely approximate”, etc.

As will be established in some detail below, is well settle law, as early as 1939, that words of approximation are not indefinite in the claims even when such limits are not defined or specified in the specification.

For example, see Ex parte Mallory, 52 USPQ 297, 297 (Pat. Off. Bd. App. 1941) where the court said “The examiner has held that most of the claims are inaccurate because apparently the laminar film will not be entirely eliminated. The claims specify that the film is “substantially” eliminated and for the intended purpose, it is believed that the slight portion of the film which may remain is negligible. We are of the view, therefore, that the claims may be regarded as sufficiently accurate.”

Note that claims need only “reasonably apprise those skilled in the art” as to their scope to satisfy the definiteness requirement. See Energy Absorption Sys., Inc. v. Roadway Safety Servs., Inc., Civ. App. 96-1264, slip op. at 10 (Fed. Cir. Jul. 3, 1997) (unpublished) Hybridtech v. Monoclonal Antibodies, Inc., 802 F.2d 1367, 1385, 231 USPQ 81, 94 (Fed. Cir. 1986), cert. denied, 480 U.S. 947 (1987). In addition, the use of modifiers in the claim, like “generally” and “substantial,” does not by itself render the claims indefinite. See Seattle Box Co. v. Industrial Crating & Packing, Inc., 731 F.2d 818, 828-29, 221 USPQ 568, 575-76 (Fed. Cir. 1984).

Moreover, the ordinary and customary meaning of terms like “substantially” includes “reasonably close to: nearly, almost, about”, connoting a term of approximation. See In re Frye, Appeal No. 2009-006013, 94 USPQ2d 1072, 1077, 2010 WL 889747 (B.P.A.I. 2010) Depending on its usage, the word “substantially” can denote either language of approximation or language of magnitude. Deering Precision Instruments, L.L.C. v. Vector Distribution Sys., Inc., 347 F.3d 1314, 1323 (Fed. Cir. 2003) (recognizing the “dual ordinary meaning of th[e] term [“substantially”] as connoting a term of approximation or a term of magnitude”). Here, when referring to the “substantially halfway” limitation, the Specification uses the word “approximately” as a substitute for the word “substantially” (Fact 4). (Fact 4). The ordinary meaning of “substantially halfway” is thus reasonably close to or nearly at the midpoint between the forwardmost point of the upper or outsole and the rearwardmost point of the upper or outsole.

Similarly, term ‘substantially’ is well recognize in case law to have the dual ordinary meaning of connoting a term of approximation or a term of magnitude. See Dana Corp. v. American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc., Civ. App. 04-1116, 2004 U.S. App. LEXIS 18265, *13-14 (Fed. Cir. Aug. 27, 2004) (unpublished). The term “substantially” is commonly used by claim drafters to indicate approximation. See Cordis Corp. v. Medtronic AVE Inc., 339 F.3d 1352, 1360 (Fed. Cir. 2003) (“The patents do not set out any numerical standard by which to determine whether the thickness of the wall surface is ‘substantially uniform.’ The term ‘substantially,’ as used in this context, denotes approximation. Thus, the walls must be of largely or approximately uniform thickness.”); see also Deering Precision Instruments, LLC v. Vector Distribution Sys., Inc., 347 F.3d 1314, 1322 (Fed. Cir. 2003); Epcon Gas Sys., Inc. v. Bauer Compressors, Inc., 279 F.3d 1022, 1031 (Fed. Cir. 2002). We find that the term “substantially” was used in just such a manner in the claims of the patents-in-suit: “substantially uniform wall thickness” denotes a wall thickness with approximate uniformity.

It should also be noted that such words of approximation as contemplated in the foregoing clearly limits the scope of claims such as saying ‘generally parallel’ such that the adverb ‘generally’ does not broaden the meaning of parallel. Accordingly, it is well settled that such words of approximation as contemplated in the foregoing (e.g., like the phrase ‘generally parallel’) envisions some amount of deviation from perfection (e.g., not exactly parallel), and that such words of approximation as contemplated in the foregoing are descriptive terms commonly used in patent claims to avoid a strict numerical boundary to the specified parameter. To the extent that the plain language of the claims relying on such words of approximation as contemplated in the foregoing are clear and uncontradicted by anything in the written description herein or the figures thereof, it is improper to rely upon the present written description, the figures, or the prosecution history to add limitations to any of the claim of the present invention with respect to such words of approximation as contemplated in the foregoing. That is, under such circumstances, relying on the written description and prosecution history to reject the ordinary and customary meanings of the words themselves is impermissible. See, for example, Liquid Dynamics Corp. v. Vaughan Co., 355 F.3d 1361, 69 USPQ2d 1595, 1600-01 (Fed. Cir. 2004). The plain language of phrase 2 requires a “substantial helical flow.” The term “substantial” is a meaningful modifier implying “approximate,” rather than “perfect.” In Cordis Corp. v. Medtronic AVE, Inc., 339 F.3d 1352, 1361 (Fed. Cir. 2003), the district court imposed a precise numeric constraint on the term “substantially uniform thickness.” We noted that the proper interpretation of this term was “of largely or approximately uniform thickness” unless something in the prosecution history imposed the “clear and unmistakable disclaimer” needed for narrowing beyond this simple-language interpretation. Id. In Anchor Wall Devices v. Rockwood Retaining Walls, Inc., 340 F.3d 1298, 1311 (Fed. Cir. 2003)” Id. at 1311. Similarly, the plain language of claim 1 requires neither a perfectly helical flow nor a flow that returns precisely to the center after one rotation (a limitation that arises only as a logical consequence of requiring a perfectly helical flow).

The reader should appreciate that case law generally recognizes a dual ordinary meaning of such words of approximation, as contemplated in the foregoing, as connoting a term of approximation or a term of magnitude; e.g., see Deering Precision Instruments, L.L.C. v. Vector Distrib. Sys., Inc., 347 F.3d 1314, 68 USPQ2d 1716, 1721 (Fed. Cir. 2003), cert. denied, 124 S. Ct. 1426 (2004) where the court was asked to construe the meaning of the term “substantially” in a patent claim. Also see Epcon, 279 F.3d at 1031 (“The phrase ‘substantially constant’ denotes language of approximation, while the phrase ‘substantially below’ signifies language of magnitude, i.e., not insubstantial.”). Also, see, e.g., Epcon Gas Sys., Inc. v. Bauer Compressors, Inc., 279 F.3d 1022 (Fed. Cir. 2002) (construing the terms “substantially constant” and “substantially below”); Zodiac Pool Care, Inc. v. Hoffinger Indus., Inc., 206 F.3d 1408 (Fed. Cir. 2000) (construing the term “substantially inward”); York Prods., Inc. v. Cent. Tractor Farm & Family Ctr., 99 F.3d 1568 (Fed. Cir. 1996) (construing the term “substantially the entire height thereof”); Tex. Instruments Inc. v. Cypress Semiconductor Corp., 90 F.3d 1558 (Fed. Cir. 1996) (construing the term “substantially in the common plane”). In conducting their analysis, the court instructed to begin with the ordinary meaning of the claim terms to one of ordinary skill in the art. Prima Tek, 318 F.3d at 1148. Reference to dictionaries and our cases indicates that the term “substantially” has numerous ordinary meanings. As the district court stated, “substantially” can mean “significantly” or “considerably.” The term “substantially” can also mean “largely” or “essentially.” Webster's New 20th Century Dictionary 1817 (1983).

Words of approximation, as contemplated in the foregoing, may also be used in phrases establishing approximate ranges or limits, where the end points are inclusive and approximate, not perfect; e.g., see AK Steel Corp. v. Sollac, 344 F.3d 1234, 68 USPQ2d 1280, 1285 (Fed. Cir. 2003) where it where the court said [W]e conclude that the ordinary meaning of the phrase “up to about 10%” includes the “about 10%” endpoint. As pointed out by AK Steel, when an object of the preposition “up to” is nonnumeric, the most natural meaning is to exclude the object (e.g., painting the wall up to the door). On the other hand, as pointed out by Sollac, when the object is a numerical limit, the normal meaning is to include that upper numerical limit (e.g., counting up to ten, seating capacity for up to seven passengers). Because we have here a numerical limit—“about 10%”—the ordinary meaning is that that endpoint is included.

In the present specification and claims, a goal of employment of such words of approximation, as contemplated in the foregoing, is to avoid a strict numerical boundary to the modified specified parameter, as sanctioned by Pall Corp. v. Micron Separations, Inc., 66 F.3d 1211, 1217, 36 USPQ2d 1225, 1229 (Fed. Cir. 1995) where it states “It is well established that when the term “substantially” serves reasonably to describe the subject matter so that its scope would be understood by persons in the field of the invention, and to distinguish the claimed subject matter from the prior art, it is not indefinite.” Likewise see Verve LLC v. Crane Cams Inc., 311 F.3d 1116, 65 USPQ2d 1051, 1054 (Fed. Cir. 2002). Expressions such as “substantially” are used in patent documents when warranted by the nature of the invention, in order to accommodate the minor variations that may be appropriate to secure the invention. Such usage may well satisfy the charge to “particularly point out and distinctly claim” the invention, 35 U.S.C. §112, and indeed may be necessary in order to provide the inventor with the benefit of his invention. In Andrew Corp. v. Gabriel Elecs. Inc., 847 F.2d 819, 821-22, 6 USPQ2d 2010, 2013 (Fed. Cir. 1988) the court explained that usages such as “substantially equal” and “closely approximate” may serve to describe the invention with precision appropriate to the technology and without intruding on the prior art. The court again explained in Ecolab Inc. v. Envirochem, Inc., 264 F.3d 1358, 1367, 60 USPQ2d 1173, 1179 (Fed. Cir. 2001) that “like the term ‘about,’ the term ‘substantially’ is a descriptive term commonly used in patent claims to ‘avoid a strict numerical boundary to the specified parameter, see Ecolab Inc. v. Envirochem Inc., 264 F.3d 1358, 60 USPQ2d 1173, 1179 (Fed. Cir. 2001) where the court found that the use of the term “substantially” to modify the term “uniform” does not render this phrase so unclear such that there is no means by which to ascertain the claim scope.

Similarly, other courts have noted that like the term “about,” the term “substantially” is a descriptive term commonly used in patent claims to “avoid a strict numerical boundary to the specified parameter.”; e.g., see Pall Corp. v. Micron Seps., 66 F.3d 1211, 1217, 36 USPQ2d 1225, 1229 (Fed. Cir. 1995); see, e.g., Andrew Corp. v. Gabriel Elecs. Inc., 847 F.2d 819, 821-22, 6 USPQ2d 2010, 2013 (Fed. Cir. 1988) (noting that terms such as “approach each other,” “close to,” “substantially equal,” and “closely approximate” are ubiquitously used in patent claims and that such usages, when serving reasonably to describe the claimed subject matter to those of skill in the field of the invention, and to distinguish the claimed subject matter from the prior art, have been accepted in patent examination and upheld by the courts). In this case, “substantially” avoids the strict 100% nonuniformity boundary.

Indeed, the foregoing sanctioning of such words of approximation, as contemplated in the foregoing, has been established as early as 1939, see Ex parte Mallory, 52 USPQ 297, 297 (Pat. Off. Bd. App. 1941) where, for example, the court said “the claims specify that the film is “substantially” eliminated and for the intended purpose, it is believed that the slight portion of the film which may remain is negligible. We are of the view, therefore, that the claims may be regarded as sufficiently accurate.” Similarly, In re Hutchison, 104 F.2d 829, 42 USPQ 90, 93 (C.C.P.A. 1939) the court said “It is realized that “substantial distance” is a relative and somewhat indefinite term, or phrase, but terms and phrases of this character are not uncommon in patents in cases where, according to the art involved, the meaning can be determined with reasonable clearness.”

Hence, for at least the forgoing reason, Applicants submit that it is improper for any examiner to hold as indefinite any claims of the present patent that employ any words of approximation.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein.

Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present Application or of any further Application derived therefrom.

References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “embodiments of the invention,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every possible embodiment of the invention necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” “an embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may. Moreover, any use of phrases like “embodiments” in connection with “the invention” are never meant to characterize that all embodiments of the invention must include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic, and should instead be understood to mean “at least some embodiments of the invention” includes the stated particular feature, structure, or characteristic.

References to “user”, or any similar term, as used herein, may mean a human or non-human user thereof. Moreover, “user”, or any similar term, as used herein, unless expressly stipulated otherwise, is contemplated to mean users at any stage of the usage process, to include, without limitation, direct user(s), intermediate user(s), indirect user(s), and end user(s). The meaning of “user”, or any similar term, as used herein, should not be otherwise inferred or induced by any pattern(s) of description, embodiments, examples, or referenced prior-art that may (or may not) be provided in the present patent.

References to “end user”, or any similar term, as used herein, is generally intended to mean late stage user(s) as opposed to early stage user(s). Hence, it is contemplated that there may be a multiplicity of different types of “end user” near the end stage of the usage process. Where applicable, especially with respect to distribution channels of embodiments of the invention comprising consumed retail products/services thereof (as opposed to sellers/vendors or Original Equipment Manufacturers), examples of an “end user” may include, without limitation, a “consumer”, “buyer”, “customer”, “purchaser”, “shopper”, “enjoyer”, “viewer”, or individual person or non-human thing benefiting in any way, directly or indirectly, from use of, or interaction, with some aspect of the present invention.

In some situations, some embodiments of the present invention may provide beneficial usage to more than one stage or type of usage in the foregoing usage process. In such cases where multiple embodiments targeting various stages of the usage process are described, references to “end user”, or any similar term, as used therein, are generally intended to not include the user that is the furthest removed, in the foregoing usage process, from the final user therein of an embodiment of the present invention.

Where applicable, especially with respect to retail distribution channels of embodiments of the invention, intermediate user(s) may include, without limitation, any individual person or non-human thing benefiting in any way, directly or indirectly, from use of, or interaction with, some aspect of the present invention with respect to selling, vending, Original Equipment Manufacturing, marketing, merchandising, distributing, service providing, and the like thereof.

References to “person”, “individual”, “human”, “a party”, “animal”, “creature”, or any similar term, as used herein, even if the context or particular embodiment implies living user, maker, or participant, it should be understood that such characterizations are sole by way of example, and not limitation, in that it is contemplated that any such usage, making, or participation by a living entity in connection with making, using, and/or participating, in any way, with embodiments of the present invention may be substituted by such similar performed by a suitably configured non-living entity, to include, without limitation, automated mechanisms, robots, humanoids, computational devices, information processing devices, artificially intelligent devices, and the like. It is further contemplated that those skilled in the art will readily recognize the practical situations where such living makers, users, and/or participants with embodiments of the present invention may be in whole, or in part, replaced with such non-living makers, users, and/or participants with embodiments of the present invention. Likewise, when those skilled in the art identify such practical situations where such living makers, users, and/or participants with embodiments of the present invention may be in whole, or in part, replaced with such non-living makers, it will be readily apparent in light of the teachings of the present invention how to adapt the described embodiments to be suitable for such non-living makers, users, and/or participants with embodiments of the present invention. Thus, the invention is thus to also cover all such modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of such adaptations and modifications, at least in part, for such non-living entities.

Headings provided herein are for convenience and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way.

The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise.

It is understood that the use of specific component, device and/or parameter names are for example only and not meant to imply any limitations on the invention. The invention may thus be implemented with different nomenclature/terminology utilized to describe the mechanisms/units/structures/components/devices/parameters herein, without limitation. Each term utilized herein is to be given its broadest interpretation given the context in which that term is utilized.

Terminology. The following paragraphs provide definitions and/or context for terms found in this disclosure (including the appended claims):

“Comprising.” This term is open-ended. As used in the appended claims, this term does not foreclose additional structure or steps. Consider a claim that recites: “A memory controller comprising a device cache . . . . ” Such a claim does not foreclose the memory controller from including additional components (e.g., a memory channel unit, a switch).

“Configured To.” Various units, circuits, or other components may be described or claimed as “configured to” perform a task or tasks. In such contexts, “configured to” or “operable for” is used to connote structure by indicating that the mechanisms/units/circuits/components include structure (e.g., circuitry and/or mechanisms) that performs the task or tasks during operation. As such, the mechanisms/unit/circuit/component can be said to be configured to (or be operable) for perform(ing) the task even when the specified mechanisms/unit/circuit/component is not currently operational (e.g., is not on). The mechanisms/units/circuits/components used with the “configured to” or “operable for” language include hardware—for example, mechanisms, structures, electronics, circuits, memory storing program instructions executable to implement the operation, etc. Reciting that a mechanism/unit/circuit/component is “configured to” or “operable for” perform(ing) one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, sixth paragraph, for that mechanism/unit/circuit/component. “Configured to” may also include adapting a manufacturing process to fabricate devices or components that are adapted to implement or perform one or more tasks.

“Based On.” As used herein, this term is used to describe one or more factors that affect a determination. This term does not foreclose additional factors that may affect a determination. That is, a determination may be solely based on those factors or based, at least in part, on those factors. Consider the phrase “determine A based on B.” While B may be a factor that affects the determination of A, such a phrase does not foreclose the determination of A from also being based on C. In other instances, A may be determined based solely on B.

The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing conditions, concentrations, dimensions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending at least upon a specific analytical technique.

The term “comprising,” which is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. “Comprising” is a term of art used in claim language which means that the named claim elements are essential, but other claim elements may be added and still form a construct within the scope of the claim.

As used herein, the phase “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim. When the phrase “consists of” (or variations thereof) appears in a clause of the body of a claim, rather than immediately following the preamble, it limits only the element set forth in that clause; other elements are not excluded from the claim as a whole. As used herein, the phase “consisting essentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified elements or method steps, plus those that do not materially affect the basis and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed subject matter.

With respect to the terms “comprising,” “consisting of,” and “consisting essentially of,” where one of these three terms is used herein, the presently disclosed and claimed subject matter may include the use of either of the other two terms. Thus in some embodiments not otherwise explicitly recited, any instance of “comprising” may be replaced by “consisting of” or, alternatively, by “consisting essentially of.”

Devices or device modules that are in at least general communication with each other need not be in continuous communication with each other, unless expressly specified otherwise. In addition, devices or device modules that are in at least general communication with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries.

A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present invention.

As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any device, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application.

In the following description and claims, the terms “coupled” and “connected,” along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Rather, in particular embodiments, “connected” may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. “Coupled” may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. However, “coupled” may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

There are various types of segregated containers that cool and retain individual containers that may be provided by preferred embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, a segregated container is configured to retain a plurality of individual containers in a loose disposition, wherein a space forms around each individual container. In this manner, the individual container has freedom of movement, and a cooling element may occupy the space around the individual container.

In one possible embodiment, the segregated container comprises a plurality of retention cavities that are configured to retain a plurality of individual containers, such as bottles or cans of carbonated beverages. In another embodiment, the segregated container may position within an outer container that contains a cooling member, such as ice. The segregated container may also include a plurality of apertures that enable the cooling member to pass from the outer container to the retention cavities. In this manner, the individual containers may be retained in a loose disposition to prevent damage, and also to create space for enabling the cooling member to fully engage the sides of the individual containers.

In some embodiments, the segregated container may include a base panel and a top panel. The base panel and the top panel are generally spaced-apart and parallel. The segregated container may further comprise a front panel, a rear panel, and a pair of end panels. The pair of end panels are disposed to abut the front panel and the rear panel in a generally perpendicular arrangement. This may form a substantially rectangular shape.

In some embodiments, the front panel, the rear panel, and the pair of end panels are generally disposed at a slight angle to form a cradling retention effect. The segregated container may be supported above the bottom of the base panel by ridges or pedestals that support the bottom of the segregated container. This clearance provides space for a cooling medium, such as ice or ice water. Thus, the cooling medium may be replaced in order to provide immediate additional refrigeration to the beverage.

In some embodiments, the front panel, the rear panel, and the pair of end panels comprising an inset. The inset is disposed along the length of a top end of the panels. Additionally, the front panel, the rear panel, and the pair of end panels further comprise a groove that is disposed to extend along the length of a base end of the panels. The inset and the groove are configured to mate. This configuration allows a plurality of segregated containers to be stacked for storage, or stacked inside the outer container.

In some embodiments, the base panel, the front panel, the rear panel, and the pair of end panels further comprise a plurality of apertures. The apertures are configured to enable passage of a cooling member from the outside container to the cavity inside the segregated container.

The segregated container may also include a series of intersecting dividers that are arranged to form a plurality of retention cavities within the segregated container. The retention cavities are configured to loosely retain a plurality of individual containers, such as bottles of carbonated beverages. A space forms between each individual container and each retention cavity. The space enables free movement of a plurality of individual containers in the retention cavities.

In one embodiment, the segregated container comprises at least one horizontal divider, the at least one horizontal divider is disposed to extend between the front panel and the rear panel in the cavity. In another embodiment, the segregated container comprises at least one vertical divider. The at least one vertical divider is disposed to extend between the pair of end panels in the cavity.

Each horizontal divider and each vertical divider intersects in a generally perpendicular arrangement. In this manner, a plurality of retention cavities are at least partially formed from the intersecting arrangement between the at least one horizontal divider and the at least one vertical divider. In some embodiments, perforations on the upper region of the dividers or the top end of the panels define flaps which may be pushed inwardly, and the resulting gaps may be used as at least one handle opening.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary segregated container 100 that is retaining a plurality of individual containers 124. In one aspect, a segregated container is configured to retain a plurality of individual containers in a loose disposition, wherein a space forms around each individual container. In this manner, the individual container has freedom of movement, and a cooling element may occupy the space around the individual container. Thus, the segregated container may provide a solution to the problem that occurs by the individual containers, especially glass containers, bumping against each other and ultimately breaking or knocking the lids lose and creating a mess.

In one possible embodiment, the segregated container comprises a plurality of retention cavities 120 that are configured for retaining and packaging a plurality of individual containers, such as bottles of carbonated beverages. In another embodiment, the segregated container may position within an outer container that contains a cooling member, such as ice. In another embodiment, the segregated container may be about one to two pounds.

The segregated container may also include a plurality of apertures 114 that enable the cooling member to pass from the outer container to the retention cavities. The cooling member may include ice or cold water. The cooling member may flow freely between the interior portion of the outer container and the retention cavities. In this manner, the individual containers may be retained in a loose disposition to prevent damage, and also to create space for enabling the cooling member to fully engage the sides of the individual containers.

In one possible embodiment, the segregated container may be made from a single sheet of composite material such as composite plastic or silicone rubber, which is cut to a desired shape, and then folded along fold lines and score lines to an assembled shape. However, in other embodiments, the segregated container may be fabricated from other materials including, without limitation, foam, cardboard, polymers, resins, polyurethane, metals, and wood.

Thus, the segregated container provides multiple advantages, including, without limitation, protecting bottled beverages from breakage by enabling the beverages to move freely inside the cooler; providing organization of the beverages when placed inside of a cooler; and a composite plastic or silicone rubber composition to provide durability for both indoor and outdoor use.

In some embodiments, the segregated container may include a base panel 102 and a top panel (not shown). The base panel and the top panel are generally spaced-apart and parallel. The segregated container may further comprise a front panel 104, a rear panel 106, and a pair of end panels 108 a, 108 b. The pair of end panels are disposed to abut the front panel and the rear panel in a generally perpendicular arrangement. This may form a substantially rectangular shape. However, in other embodiments, the segregated container may have other shapes, including, without limitation, a cube, a pyramid, and a cylinder shape. In one embodiment, the front panel, the rear panel, and the pair of end panels are generally disposed at a slight angle to form a cradling retention effect.

In some embodiments, the front panel, the rear panel, and the pair of end panels comprising an inset 112. The inset is disposed along the length of a top end 110 of the panels. Additionally, the front panel, the rear panel, and the pair of end panels further comprise a groove that is disposed to extend along the length of a base end of the panels.

In some embodiments, the base panel, the front panel, the rear panel, and the pair of end panels further comprise a plurality of apertures. The apertures are configured to enable passage of a cooling member from the outside container to the cavity inside the segregated container. The apertures may take a variety of shapes, including, without limitation, circular, square, rectangular, and star shaped.

The segregated container may also include a series of intersecting dividers that are arranged to form a plurality of retention cavities within the segregated container. The retention cavities are configured to loosely retain a plurality of individual containers, such as bottles of carbonated beverages. A space forms between each individual container and each retention cavity. The space enables free movement of a plurality of individual containers in the retention cavities.

In one embodiment, the segregated container comprises at least one horizontal divider 116, the at least one horizontal divider is disposed to extend between the front panel and the rear panel in the cavity. In another embodiment, the segregated container comprises at least one vertical divider 118. The at least one vertical divider is disposed to extend between the pair of end panels in the cavity.

Each horizontal divider and each vertical divider intersects in a generally perpendicular arrangement. In this manner, a plurality of retention cavities are at least partially formed from the intersecting arrangement between the at least one horizontal divider and the at least one vertical divider. Each retention cavity provides a receiving area where the individual container positions. In some embodiments, the retention cavity is smaller than the individual container to secure it in the retention cavity wherein it is deep enough so that individual container is not exposed to contact with another individual container.

In some embodiments, perforations on the upper region of the dividers or the top end of the panels define flaps which may be pushed inwardly, and the resulting gaps may be used as at least one handle opening 122. The handle openings are conveniently located for carrying the segregated container separately from the outer container. The handle opening may include a substantially elongated shape that is configured to be operable to enable passage of fingers from a hand.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of multiple segregated containers stacked through a mating engagement between an exemplary inset and an exemplary ridge. In one aspect, the segregated container is configured to stack inside the outer container, or stack for stowage, depending on the depth of the outer container. The front panel, the rear panel, and the pair of end panels may include an inset that forms a generally L-shape at the top end or edge of the panels. The inset is disposed along the length of a top end of the panels. Additionally, the front panel, the rear panel, and the pair of end panels further comprise a groove 202 that is disposed to extend along the length of a base end 200 of the panels. The inset and the groove are configured to mate. This configuration allows a plurality of segregated containers to be stacked for storage, or stacked inside the outer container.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a segregated container positioned inside an exemplary outer container 300. In one aspect, the segregated container may position within an outer container that contains a cooling member, such as ice. The segregated container may also include a plurality of apertures that enable the cooling member to pass from the outer container to the retention cavities. In this manner, the individual containers may be retained in a loose disposition to prevent damage, and also to create space for enabling the cooling member to fully engage the sides of the individual containers.

The outer container may include a cooler that has insulation. The outer container may form a cavity that enables the segregated container to rest within. In some embodiments, the outer container may include a carrying portion 302. The carrying portion may include a substantially U-shaped handle that pivots on the ends of the outer container and provides a central handle for lifting the outer container. In some embodiments, a lid 304 may hingedly cover the cavity of the outer container. The lid is configured to regulate access to the segregated container, cooling member, and individual containers inside the outer container.

FIG. 4 illustrates a sectioned side view of an exemplary segregated container with a plurality of retention cavities loosely retaining a plurality of individual containers. In one aspect, the segregated container may also include a series of intersecting dividers that are arranged to form a plurality of retention cavities within the segregated container. The retention cavities are configured to loosely retain a plurality of individual containers, such as bottles of carbonated beverages.

In some embodiments, a space may form between each individual container and each retention cavity. The space enables free movement of a plurality of individual containers in the retention cavities. In some embodiments, each retention cavity may be slightly over-sized to hold a wide range of different sized individual containers, and to allow ice to fit between the individual containers as well. In one possible embodiment, each retention cavity may have a different size.

In one embodiment, the segregated container may enable the containment of carbonated beverages which reduce the quantity of gas which is lost from the liquid during storage after a portion of the liquid has been removed, for example, by pouring, from the container. In another embodiment, the segregated container may provide an improved method and apparatus for storing carbonated beverages which vary the volume of the container apparatus with simple procedures and construction. In yet another embodiment, the segregated container may provide an improved containing means for containment of carbonated beverages which is economical to produce and is at least in part reusable. In yet another embodiment, the segregated container may enable provide an improved apparatus for containment of volatile materials, whether mixed or combined with other materials, so as to reduce air pollution.

All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

It is noted that according to USA law 35 USC §112 (1), all claims must be supported by sufficient disclosure in the present patent specification, and any material known to those skilled in the art need not be explicitly disclosed. However, 35 USC §112 (6) requires that structures corresponding to functional limitations interpreted under 35 USC §112 (6) must be explicitly disclosed in the patent specification. Moreover, the USPTO's Examination policy of initially treating and searching prior art under the broadest interpretation of a “mean for” claim limitation implies that the broadest initial search on 112(6) functional limitation would have to be conducted to support a legally valid Examination on that USPTO policy for broadest interpretation of “mean for” claims. Accordingly, the USPTO will have discovered a multiplicity of prior art documents including disclosure of specific structures and elements which are suitable to act as corresponding structures to satisfy all functional limitations in the below claims that are interpreted under 35 USC §112 (6) when such corresponding structures are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification. Therefore, for any invention element(s)/structure(s) corresponding to functional claim limitation(s), in the below claims interpreted under 35 USC §112 (6), which is/are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification, yet do exist in the patent and/or non-patent documents found during the course of USPTO searching, Applicant(s) incorporate all such functionally corresponding structures and related enabling material herein by reference for the purpose of providing explicit structures that implement the functional means claimed. Applicant(s) request(s) that fact finders during any claims construction proceedings and/or examination of patent allowability properly identify and incorporate only the portions of each of these documents discovered during the broadest interpretation search of 35 USC §112 (6) limitation, which exist in at least one of the patent and/or non-patent documents found during the course of normal USPTO searching and or supplied to the USPTO during prosecution. Applicant(s) also incorporate by reference the bibliographic citation information to identify all such documents comprising functionally corresponding structures and related enabling material as listed in any PTO Form-892 or likewise any information disclosure statements (IDS) entered into the present patent application by the USPTO or Applicant(s) or any 3^(rd) parties. Applicant(s) also reserve its right to later amend the present application to explicitly include citations to such documents and/or explicitly include the functionally corresponding structures which were incorporate by reference above.

Thus, for any invention element(s)/structure(s) corresponding to functional claim limitation(s), in the below claims, that are interpreted under 35 USC §112 (6), which is/are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification, Applicant(s) have explicitly prescribed which documents and material to include the otherwise missing disclosure, and have prescribed exactly which portions of such patent and/or non-patent documents should be incorporated by such reference for the purpose of satisfying the disclosure requirements of 35 USC §112 (6). Applicant(s) note that all the identified documents above which are incorporated by reference to satisfy 35 USC §112 (6) necessarily have a filing and/or publication date prior to that of the instant application, and thus are valid prior documents to incorporated by reference in the instant application.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of implementing a segregated container that loosely retains a plurality of individual containers according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Various aspects of the invention have been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. The particular implementation of the segregated container that loosely retains a plurality of individual containers may vary depending upon the particular context or application. By way of example, and not limitation, the segregated container described in the foregoing were principally directed to a segregated container for retaining at least one beverage container within an outer container implementations; however, similar techniques may instead be applied to a segregated container that fires food in a fryer, which implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. It is to be further understood that not all of the disclosed embodiments in the foregoing specification will necessarily satisfy or achieve each of the objects, advantages, or improvements described in the foregoing specification.

Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. Section 1.72(b) requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to limit or interpret the scope or meaning of the claims. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A container comprising: a base panel and a top panel, said base panel and said top panel being generally spaced-apart and parallel; a front panel and a rear panel being generally spaced-apart; a pair of end panels, said pair of end panels being disposed to abut said front panel and said rear panel in a generally perpendicular arrangement; an inset, said inset being disposed to extend along the length of a top end of said front panel, said rear panel, and said pair of end panels; a groove, said groove being disposed to extend along the length of a base end of said front panel, said rear panel, and said pair of end panels, wherein said inset and said groove are configured to mate for enabling at least partial stacking of said container; a plurality of apertures, said plurality of apertures being disposed on said base panel, said front panel, said rear panel, and said pair of end panels; at least one horizontal divider, said at least one horizontal divider being disposed to extend between said front panel and said rear panel; and at least one vertical divider, said at least one vertical divider being disposed to extend between said pair of end panels, wherein said at least one horizontal divider and said at least one vertical divider intersect in a generally perpendicular arrangement, wherein a plurality of retention cavities are at least partially formed from the intersecting arrangement between said at least one horizontal divider and said at least one vertical divider.
 2. The container of claim 1, wherein said container is configured to segregate a plurality of individual containers.
 3. The container of claim 2, wherein said front panel, said rear panel, and said pair of end panels are disposed to form a slope, relative to said base panel.
 4. The container of claim 3, wherein said plurality of retention cavities are configured to retain said plurality of individual containers.
 5. The container of claim 4, wherein said plurality of individual containers are carbonated beverage bottles.
 6. The container of claim 5, wherein said plurality of retention cavities are disposed to be spaced-apart from said plurality of individual containers, wherein a space forms between said plurality of retention cavities and said plurality of individual containers.
 7. The container of claim 6, wherein said space is at least partially filled with a cooling member.
 8. The container of claim 7, wherein said space enables at least partial movement by said plurality of individual containers.
 9. The container of claim 8, further comprising an outer container, said outer container being configured to at least partially enclose said segregated container.
 10. The container of claim 9, in which said outer container comprises a cooler.
 11. The container of claim 10, in which said outer container comprises a lid, said lid being configured to regulate access to an interior portion of said outer container.
 12. The container of claim 11, in which said outer container comprises a carrying portion, said carrying portion configured to enable lifting and moving of said outer container.
 13. The container of claim 12, wherein said outer container is configured to contain a cooling member.
 14. The container of claim 13, wherein said plurality of apertures of said base panel, said front panel, said rear panel, and said pair of end panels are configured to enable passage of said cooling member from said outer container to said plurality of retention cavities.
 15. The container of claim 14, in which said at least one vertical divider and/or said at least one horizontal divider comprise at least one handle opening.
 16. The container of claim 15, in which said at least one handle opening comprises a perforation, said perforation being configured to displace at least a portion of an upper region for said at least one vertical divider and/or said at least one horizontal divider.
 17. The container of claim 16, wherein segregated container is fabricated from a composite plastic or a silicone rubber material composition.
 18. The container of claim 17, wherein said segregated container is configured to form a substantially rectangular shape.
 19. A container comprising: means for segregating a plurality of individual containing means, said segregating means configured to enable organization of said individual containing means; means for positioning said segregating means at least partially inside an outer containing means; means for spacing said segregation means from said individual containing means; means for enabling at least partial movement of said individual containing means; means for enabling cooling of said individual containing means through a passage means, the passage means enabling cooling between said outer containing means and said individual containing means; means for carrying said segregating means and/or said outer containing means; and means for stacking a plurality of said segregating means.
 20. A container consisting of: a base panel and a top panel, said base panel and said top panel being generally spaced-apart and parallel; a front panel and a rear panel being generally spaced-apart; a pair of end panels, said pair of end panels being disposed to abut said front panel and said rear panel in a generally perpendicular arrangement; an inset, said inset being disposed to extend along the length of a top end of said front panel, said rear panel, and said pair of end panels; a groove, said groove being disposed to extend along the length of a base end of said front panel, said rear panel, and said pair of end panels, wherein said inset and said groove are configured to mate for enabling at least partial stacking of said container; a plurality of apertures, said plurality of apertures being disposed on said base panel, said front panel, said rear panel, and said pair of end panels; at least one horizontal divider, said at least one horizontal divider being disposed to extend between said front panel and said rear panel; at least one vertical divider, said at least one vertical divider being disposed to extend between said pair of end panels, wherein said at least one horizontal divider and said at least one vertical divider intersect in a generally perpendicular arrangement, wherein a plurality of retention cavities are at least partially formed from the intersecting arrangement between said at least one horizontal divider and said at least one vertical divider, said plurality of retention cavities being configured to at least partially retain said plurality of individual containers, said plurality of individual containers comprising carbonated beverage bottles; and an outer container, said outer container being configured to at least partially enclose said segregated container, said outer container comprising a cooler, said outer container further comprising a lid, said lid being configured to regulate access to an interior portion of said outer container, said outer container further comprising a carrying portion, said carrying portion being configured to enable lifting and moving of said outer container, said outer container being further configured to contain a cooling member. 